Caring for One Another
Supporting connection, wellbeing, and a community where people feel seen, supported, and included.
Annual Events
Supporting the events that bring our community together, by finding resources to make it happen.
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Our International Women's Day celebration was about more than marking a date on the calendar. It was an opportunity for women from across our community to connect, support one another and celebrate the leadership, resilience and contribution of local women. Events like this help strengthen the relationships that make our community thrive.
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This year's Matariki celebration was a wonderful example of community-led development in action. Tapawera Area School, Tapawera Kindergarten and Tapawera Connect came together to create an evening of kapa haka, shared kai, a magical light walkway, painted rocks, braziers for reflection and a lantern release that brought our community together. Around 200 sausages disappeared in record time, proving just how well supported the evening was! Read more about this special celebration in our blog.
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More information to come
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More information to come
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Christmas at Shedwood Hall has become a much-loved community tradition, bringing people together to celebrate the festive season through creativity, connection and fun. A week of Christmas workshops included everything from beeswax candle making with Marina from Rainbow Honey to hands-on festive activities for all ages. The beautifully decorated Christmas Tree Competition showcased the creativity of local schools, community groups, businesses and families, while Santa's Grotto provided a magical photo opportunity and plenty of excitement for our tamariki. Together, the week's events created lasting memories and celebrated the joy of Christmas in our community.
We look forward to supporting the success of this event again this year.
Community Workshops
Creating opportunities to learn, share skills, and explore ideas that support our community to grow and adapt.
An example is the recent Kono Weaving workshop. This was held on 10 July, Matariki 2026, and was a great way to gather, reflect and learn a new skill to celebrate the Māori New Year.
Seniors Wellbeing Activities
Supporting regular activities that keep our older community members connected, active, and engaged.
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Tea and Talk is a welcoming monthly gathering where local seniors can enjoy a cuppa, good conversation and a chance to connect with others in the community.
Alongside catching up with friends, each session often features a guest speaker from a local organisation or community group, sharing stories, information or opportunities to get involved.
Whether it's hearing from local author Mike Brown, having the opportunity to ask professionals questions you didn’t know you had… or simply enjoying good company, Tea and Talk is a relaxed and friendly space that helps reduce isolation, keep people informed and strengthen community connections.
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The Wellby Talking Café is a friendly and informal space where people can come together over a cuppa, meet others and enjoy meaningful conversation. Whether you're new to the community or a familiar face, it's a welcoming environment that encourages connection, reduces social isolation and supports positive wellbeing through regular social interaction.
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Sit and Be Fit is a gentle weekly exercise class designed to help older adults stay active, improve strength and mobility, and maintain independence. Suitable for a range of abilities, the sessions provide a fun and supportive environment where participants can exercise, laugh and socialise together.
Rangatahi Explorers
Providing opportunities for young people to connect, explore, and build confidence through shared experiences. A variety of activities are held fortnightly for youth in Tapawera.
Rural Mums
Each month, Abby coordinates two events that aim to create a space for rural mums to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Upcoming events are open to every māmā and are always shared on their Facebook page.
Parent & Whānau
Support
Emelie’s job, as Parent Support Co-ordinator, is to connect local parents and caregivers with information, services, and support that help strengthen whānau wellbeing. This is a relatively new role and project within Tapawera Connect, which is growing as we learn more about what parents and families need in the area.
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Supporting parents and caregivers through workshops and programmes that help strengthen connection, confidence, and understanding within whānau.
Community Facilities
We're currently working with community organisations and stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future of community facilities in Tapawera. While there is broad agreement that Tapawera needs improved community facilities, there are different views on what the right solution looks like. Rather than progressing a single predetermined option, we're taking the time to ensure the community helps shape what comes next.
Supporting Groups
Supporting local groups, clubs, and initiatives by helping connect people, sharing resources, promoting activities, and providing practical support where needed. This includes working alongside groups such as the Food Bank, Friends of the School, community gardens, emergency preparedness initiatives, and other volunteer-led projects across our area.
